Buffalo City School District Open Enrollment 

 BBOE Open enrollment occurs annually November 1st through 30th and allows eligible retirees the option to: 

1. Change insurance plans 

2. Remove a dependent 

3. Add a dependent (not applicable to single plan retirees) 

Ask Yourself: 

• Are my doctors in-network? 

• Am I satisfied with my coverage? 

• Would another plan better suit my needs? 

Plan Information (identify yourself as a BBOE retiree and have your card handy) 

• Highmark BC/BS WNY: (888)299-2263 

• Independent Health Passport Medicare Advantage: (716) 504-3239 or (877) 893-6387 

• Forever Blue Medicare Advantage: (800) 329-2792 

1. Am I eligible to change plans? 

• From the SUMMARY OF HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS, locate your eligible plan comparisons specific to your union affiliation and retirement date  

• If transferring plans within Highmark BC/BS WNY, complete a Highmark enrollment application

• In addition, all BTF retirees and dependents enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B may voluntarily transfer to INDEPENDENT HEALTH PASSPORT MEDICARE ADVANTAGE  

2. Removal of a dependent (outside of qualifying life event rules) 

• From a Highmark BC/BS WNY plan 

  • Complete a Highmark BC/BS change form  

• From an Independent Health Passport Medicare Advantage plan 

  • Submit a statement requesting termination of coverage effective 1/1/27 which is dated and signed by both the dependent and retiree (email to benefits@buffaloschools.org or fax to (716) 851-3587 or mail to Benefits Office, 806 City Hall, Buffalo NY 14202 

• From a Forever Blue Medicare Advantage plan 

  • Submit a statement requesting termination of coverage effective 1/1/27 which is dated and signed by both the dependent and retiree (email to benefits@buffaloschools.org or fax to (716) 851-3587 or mail to Benefits Office, 806 City Hall, Buffalo NY 14202 

3. Add a dependent (outside of qualifying life event rules) 

NECESSARY QUALIFICATIONS:  

a) Only individuals who retired WITH family coverage may add a dependent 

b) If the dependent is eligible for Medicare (age 65 or older or disabled) the dependent MUST be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and

c) A copy of your marriage certificate AND/OR a copy of a dependent’s birth certificate AND/OR a copy of the Medicare card showing Parts A and B enrollment must be uploaded with your forms 

• To a Highmark BC/BS WNY plan 

  • Complete a Highmark BC/BS change form 

• To an Independent Health Passport Medicare Advantage plan 

  • Complete a Independent Health Passport Medicare Advantage application 

QUESTIONS?  

• FIRST call your insurance carrier if your question concerns medical or prescription coverages 

• Email the benefits team: benefits@buffaloschools.org 

• Call the retiree benefits representative: (716) 816-4538 

DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 30, 2026 

COVERAGE CHANGES ARE EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2027 

BBOE Open enrollment is separate from Medicare Open enrollment and New York State Marketplace Open enrollment